CVE-2023-23889 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-23889, a vulnerability found in the WordPress Quick Paypal Payments Plugin version <= 5.7.25, which is susceptible to Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-23889

CVE-2023-23889 is a vulnerability in the Quick Paypal Payments Plugin for WordPress that allows for Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks on affected versions equal to or below 5.7.25. This vulnerability was discovered by yuyudhn from Patchstack Alliance and has a CVSS base score of 6.5, indicating a medium severity level.

What is CVE-2023-23889?

The vulnerability CVE-2023-23889 refers to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw in the Fullworks Quick Paypal Payments plugin version equal to or below 5.7.25. This allows an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23889

The impact of CVE-2023-23889 is categorized under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, which signifies a stored cross-site scripting attack. This type of attack can result in the compromise of user data, session hijacking, defacement of web pages, and more, posing a significant risk to the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23889

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2023-23889 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the Fullworks Quick Paypal Payments plugin version <= 5.7.25, allowing for an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack. Attackers can inject and execute malicious scripts within the application, potentially leading to various security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Fullworks Quick Paypal Payments plugin versions equal to or below 5.7.25. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation through Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-23889 involves authenticated attackers injecting malicious scripts containing harmful payloads into the application. These scripts can then be executed within the user's browser, enabling the attackers to steal sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-23889 and prevent potential exploitation, users and administrators should take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Fullworks Quick Paypal Payments plugin to version 5.7.26 or higher to patch the vulnerability and prevent XSS attacks.
Monitor for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts on the affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins, themes, and WordPress core to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
Educate users on best practices for identifying and avoiding phishing attempts and malicious scripts.
Implement web application firewalls and security plugins to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

The recommended solution to address CVE-2023-23889 is to update the affected Fullworks Quick Paypal Payments plugin to version 5.7.26 or a higher version. This update includes necessary security fixes to mitigate the Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability and enhance the security of the WordPress environment.